Within the zoning districts established by this chapter or subsequent amendments thereto, there exist or will exist certain nonconformities which, if lawful before this chapter was passed or amended, may be continued, subject to certain limitations.

Nothing contained herein shall require any change in the plans or construction of any building or structure for which a permit was granted prior to the effective date of this chapter. However, such construction must commence within 30 days after this chapter becomes effective. If construction is discontinued for a period of six months or more, further construction shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter for the district in which the operation is located.

Extension. No such nonconforming use shall be enlarged or increased, nor extended to occupy a greater area of land than 40% more land than was owned or leased by the user at the effective date of adoption or amendment of this chapter.

Discontinuance. Wherever a nonconforming use of land has been discontinued for a period of two years, such use shall not thereafter be reestablished. Any future use shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

Changes or moving of use. A nonconforming use, if changed to a conforming use, shall not thereafter be changed back to any nonconforming use. A nonconforming use may, by special exception, be changed to another nonconforming use, provided that the governing body shall find that the proposed use is equally appropriate or more appropriate in the zoning district than the existing nonconforming use.

Additional structures or buildings. No additional structures or buildings not conforming to the requirements of this chapter shall be erected in connection with such nonconforming use of land.

Enlargement. No such nonconforming structure or building may be enlarged or altered in a way which increases its nonconformity, but any structure or portion thereof may be altered to decrease its nonconformity; provided, however, that any structure or building which existed prior to the adoption of this chapter may be added to, enlarged or altered to the extent that any new addition, enlargement or alteration shall not extend any greater distance into the minimum yard dimensions, as defined by this chapter, than the dimensions of the structure or building which existed prior to the adoption of this chapter and further conditioned upon issuance of a zoning permit upon proper application.

Damage or destruction. A nonconforming structure which is destroyed or partially destroyed by any means to an extent of 75% or more of the market value thereof immediately prior to such damage or destruction shall not be repaired or restored to a nonconforming status, but shall be reconstructed in a manner and used only in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, unless construction is begun within 24 months after the destruction or partial destruction has taken place.

Moving of structure or building. No nonconforming structure or building shall be, for any reason, moved for any distance unless it shall thereafter conform to the zoning regulations for the district in which it is located after it is moved.

Extension. A nonconforming use may be extended throughout any part of an existing structure or building or any alteration, extension or addition to such structure, provided that any structural alterations, extensions or additions shall comply with all provisions of this chapter with respect to height, area, width, yard and coverage requirements for the zoning district in which the structure or building is located. However, such extension of a nonconforming use shall not exceed 50% of the gross floor area occupied by said nonconforming use at the time such nonconforming use became nonconforming or more than the maximum building coverage allowed in the district in which the structure is situated at the effective date of adoption or amendment of this chapter, whichever is greater.

Change of use. A nonconforming use, if changed to a conforming use, shall not thereafter be changed back to any nonconforming use. A nonconforming use may, by special exception, be changed to another nonconforming use, provided that the governing body shall find that the proposed use is equally appropriate or more appropriate in the zoning district than the existing nonconforming use.

Discontinuance. Whenever a nonconforming use of a structure or building or portion thereof has been discontinued or abandoned for two years, such structure or building or portion thereof shall not thereafter be used for a nonconforming use.

Destruction. Removal or destruction of the structure or building in which a nonconforming use is located shall eliminate the use of the land upon which the structure or building was erected for a nonconforming use. "Destruction," for the purpose of this subsection, is defined as damage to an extent of 75% or more of the market value of the structure or building immediately prior to such damage or destruction. However, if construction begins within 24 months after destruction or partial destruction occurs, the same nonconforming use or a use which is more appropriate in the zoning district, according to the governing body, may be carried on.

To facilitate the administration of this chapter, it shall be the duty of the Zoning Administrator to prepare and maintain an accurate listing of uses and structures in all districts not permitted by right in that district and for which no special exception or variance has been issued and which does not otherwise comply with all sections of this chapter. Such a listing shall be a matter of public record and shall constitute sufficient notice of the nonconforming status of said use and the limitations therein expressed and implied to any transferee acquiring any right to use or own such property. This list of nonconformities shall consist of statements concerning the general character of such nonconformities and conduct of such use and any effects, adverse or otherwise, that this nonconformity has on the surrounding area.

After establishing the existence of a nonconformity, the Zoning Administrator shall notify owners of such land, structures or uses of structures or land, in writing, of the nonconformance and of the limitations on such land, structures or use of structures or land.